Conversations

Before the trip, I told the American team to be prepared for long days of conversation. Most of our days last 14 hours or more. From morning until evening, we are engaged in conversations with teachers, students, administrators, shopkeepers, and local friends. It's fun, informative and tiring. All of the conversations are friendly and informative. Some are smooth and fluent. Some are full of pauses as we wait to allow ourselves or others to get the words just right. Some are guided. Some are spontaneous. Some are strategic for future opportunities. A growing number of conversations are meaningful and challenging. We are enjoying the chance to converse on so many levels with our Chinese friends.